7" of Separation

Roy’s goin’ to the Big Easy.

Woot!

My sports editor Phil brought Kenny George to my attention. You have never seen anything like it, I swear. Really, if you don’t have to jump to dunk, is it dunking?

1: LaBron James – Honestly, something like 12 unanswered points in the last four possessions. Honestly?

2: Moving – I have too many thing. If you want some of them, just let me know.

This is my second night at my parents, and I just popped in the Puffy Shirt episode of Seinfeld and the above video was the opening. And really, it made me laugh. I never thought I would move home, but it’s nice. And, I do have a great girl, a good job and a lot of future. So, exception to the rule, I guess.

Sorry, my list of 2007’s best music continues. While playing with my new iTunes library on my new computer, I came across two more albums that I forgot were released in 2007. These are good ones, too:

See through the dumb name: Spoon — Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

I was let down by Spoon’s 2005 album, Gimme Fiction. It was too Spoon-ish, I guess. Too hooky, too catchy to the point some of the songs downright annoyed me. So, after buying Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga shortly after it came out, it took some time for me to actually listen to it all that well.

But when I did, I was pleasantly surprised.

The hooks are there. The pop is there. The catchy lyrics are there. It’s a great album. Spoon is just a solid indie rock band. They make me happy, even if I have never been too impressed by their live show. Really, though. If you need to get going in the morning, crank up The Underdog.

Mind blowing loud, then quiet: Explosions in the Sky — All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone

Wikipedia says that Explosions in the Sky creates “lengthy crescendos and soaring melodies.” They are correct.

The Texas-based post-rock outfit plays super-long instrumental power rock.

It. Is. Beauty.

Thais album came out last February, and I listen to it at least once a week, usually right before bed. It was so ingrained in my listening pattern, I felt like it had been out for years.

Now, this isn’t for everyone. It is instrumental rock, after all. Tracks range in the 10-15 minute range. They build, then fall, then build, then fall. But no other band, save perhaps Mogwai, can create atmosphere quite like Explosions can.

By the way, check out my previous list, which now has streaming song examples.

I’ve gotten a few comments about the YACHT video I posted a few days back, especially concerning Half & Half, the best little coffee shop/quick-bite-to-eat in Portland.

If you ever go to Powell’s, you are close to Half & Half. All you have to do is walk around the corner of the block that has the pizza place on one end and Jackpot records on the other end. There, you will find Half & Half. They serve Stumptown coffee, have a host of good local zines to read and, I have to mention, they offer up a great veggie BLT. Check it out when you get the chance.

As for me, I’m drowning in work and snow.

New music over at Insert Media.

If you have some time to kill, like me, enjoy a few live shows from some good bands:

The Pipettes

Spoon

Arcade Fire

I couldn’t figure out what all the shouting was about. All I knew is that I wanted to keep sleeping. (I spent the total of yesterday moving almost everything I own into a single room at my parent’s house just north of Coburg, Oregon. I will be moving home for about two months to save up for the trip. It’s only at 15 minute drive from work.)

But, I digress. I was tired — and sore — from moving tables, chairs, records, books, dishes all day long and just wanted to sleep in a bit. Then, there were giggles, screams keeping me awake.

I couldn’t figure it out.

So, I got up.

Turns out, snowmen were being built.

Pam got a firm layer on top of her. So, my moving efforts are a bit snowed in, as well. With rear-wheel drive, and no traction, Pam isn’t moving today.

One of my favorite little buildings here in town is this old pump house. If not for the rust stains, it would be a sweet little scene.

There is about 5-6 inches on the ground. The flakes were at least an inch wide this morning. The downfall has stopped, though. But a perfect layer of snowball snow remains.

Lovely.

If you find yourself missing P-town:

Can you name all the fun places?

This is YACHT, by the way.

Because, sometimes you just need a little Josh and Amy in your life.

Whack Job.